Investment & Fund Management

The European Investment Fund (EIF) and UniCredit Bank Austria expanded their partnership by increasing a guarantee agreement from EUR 200 million to EUR 500 million, aimed at supporting innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Austria. This expansion allows UniCredit Bank Austria to provide an additional EUR 300 million in loans to innovative firms by mid-2021, utilizing the InnovFin SME Guarantee Facility, which is backed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) and resources from Horizon 2020.

The tailored solution provided through this partnership addresses the financing gap faced by innovative SMEs and mid-caps in Austria. By leveraging the EIF's guarantee, UniCredit Bank Austria can offer loans on more favorable terms, thereby enhancing access to finance for these businesses. This initiative not only provides additional security for the loans but also allows UniCredit to pass on cost benefits to its customers, ultimately opening up more financing possibilities for innovative companies.

As a result of this collaboration, the EIF anticipates a significant contribution to the growth and development of small businesses in Austria, reinforcing UniCredit Bank Austria's position as a leading corporate bank in the region. The expected outcome is a strengthened support system for the innovative plans of Austrian SMEs, which is crucial for fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in the country.